Parliament

Definition

Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It plays a crucial role in making laws, scrutinizing the government, and representing the electorate. Parliament's functions are fundamental to the democratic framework and political culture of the UK, influencing how power is exercised and laws are created.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parliament has the power to create, amend, and repeal laws through a process that includes readings, debates, and votes in both houses.
2. Members of the House of Commons are directly elected in general elections, while members of the House of Lords are appointed or inherit their positions.
3. The Prime Minister is typically a member of the House of Commons and is accountable to Parliament, reinforcing the principle of parliamentary democracy.
4. Parliament also plays a key role in examining government spending and policy through committees that investigate specific issues and report findings.
5. The Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 allow the House of Commons to bypass the House of Lords in certain circumstances if there is a disagreement on legislation.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of Parliament contribute to its legislative functions?
  • The structure of Parliament, with its two houses—the House of Commons and the House of Lords—facilitates a comprehensive legislative process. The House of Commons consists of elected representatives who reflect the views and needs of their constituents, while the House of Lords provides expertise and a review mechanism. This bicameral system allows for thorough debate and scrutiny of proposed laws, ensuring that legislation is well-considered before being enacted.
• Discuss the relationship between Parliament and the Prime Minister in terms of accountability and governance.
  • The relationship between Parliament and the Prime Minister is foundational to the UK's system of governance. The Prime Minister must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons to remain in office, which means they are accountable to MPs. This accountability is expressed through Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), debates, and committee inquiries where MPs can challenge government decisions and policies. This dynamic ensures that the government remains responsive to elected representatives and, by extension, to the electorate.
• Evaluate the impact of parliamentary committees on government transparency and accountability.
  • Parliamentary committees significantly enhance government transparency and accountability by conducting detailed investigations into specific issues such as public spending, policy implementation, and national crises. These committees gather evidence from experts, stakeholders, and government officials, producing reports that inform both Parliament and the public. By highlighting areas for improvement or concern within government operations, committees play an essential role in holding the government accountable for its actions while promoting informed debate within Parliament.

Related terms

House of Commons:

The lower house of Parliament, consisting of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the public to represent their constituencies.

House of Lords:

The upper house of Parliament, made up of appointed members, including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers, that reviews legislation proposed by the House of Commons.

Legislation: The process through which Parliament creates new laws or amends existing ones, which is essential for the functioning of government.